“ABSOLUTELY ECSTATIC! Rangers Boss Loses It as 16-Year-Old Prodigy Signs for Academy – The Next Messi?!”
Rangers bolstered their squad with 13 signings in the last transfer window.
It’s becoming increasingly clear that many of Rangers’ summer recruits have failed to make the desired impact, leaving Kevin Thelwell’s recruitment policy under serious scrutiny at Ibrox.
The Light Blues have also parted ways with key players in recent months, most notably Hamza Igamane and Cyriel Dessers, who both sealed moves away from G51.
Nicolas Raskin was also heavily linked with potential transfers to Fenerbahce and Besiktas while the Turkish market remained open until 12 September, but the Belgian midfielder ultimately stayed put in Glasgow.
Zebedee Lawson signs for Rangers Academy
Rangers have confirmed the capture of 16-year-old Zebedee Lawson, who arrives from Brighton’s youth ranks. The versatile attacker will link up with Stevie Smith’s Under-19 squad.
David McCallum, the interim Head of Academy, expressed delight at the addition, noting that Lawson contributed four goals and assists in 13 games for Brighton’s Under-18 side last term. McCallum stated on 19 September:
“We are thrilled that Zebedee has chosen Rangers as the next step in his career. He is an exciting young talent that our Academy recruitment team, led by James Fowler, has tracked for some time.
While we remain committed to developing our own players, it is also vital that we bring in prospects from outside with real potential. We look forward to seeing Zebedee’s progress within our environment.”
Russell Martin urged to trust youth
Meanwhile, questions continue to surround Russell Martin’s handling of the Rangers first team.
The manager, under pressure after a disappointing start, has not followed through on his pledge to promote youth development.
Findlay Curtis, an 18-year-old forward who impressed earlier this season with a goal against Panathinaikos in the Champions League, has since struggled for minutes following the club’s attacking reinforcements.
Likewise, other academy products such as Bailey Rice and Zander Hutton have seen limited opportunities, with Hutton even departing on loan.
Critics argue that Martin’s reluctance to rely on academy graduates undermines his credibility, especially when the club has invested significantly in nurturing young prospects.
Lawson’s arrival could serve as a reminder of the importance of integrating talent. At Brighton, the teenager demonstrated an ability to cut inside from the right and score, a trait Rangers should seek to harness as they build for the future.
